Exciting news: IPS School 43, located in District 7, jumped from 34% → 64% in 3rd grade reading proficiency—one of the biggest gains in the district. 👏 Congrats to the students & educators, and thanks to partners Butler University + MLK Center for summer literacy help & in-school guidance. Details:

I joined the Office of Sustainability in opposing the massive data center proposed for Franklin Township. Its extreme demand for electricity and water poses serious risks to our environment and public health—threats that will affect both current residents and future generations.

Great turnout at tonight’s public meeting on the planned improvements for Canterbury Park — thank you to everyone who joined the conversation. Construction is expected to begin next spring.

A breezy, cool afternoon at the MLK Center’s Third Annual Community Block Party! Grateful to be back as a sponsor of this wonderful neighborhood celebration.

Thanks to the Bellaire Neighborhood Association for hosting today’s Community Health Awareness and Resource Day at New Paradigm Church. This great event runs until 3:00 p.m. and offers a wide range of health-related resources.

Excited to be a returning sponsor for the MLK Community Center's 3rd Annual Block Party, set for May 17th!

Celebrated Independent Bookstore Day at Kid’s Ink Bookstore! Kid’s Ink and Golden Hour Books are two fantastic local, independent bookstores in Council District 7. 📚

The Council’s Environmental Sustainability Committee— which I chair—held its April meeting this week. It was packed with important updates, including the city’s plans for county-wide recycling, the health of our water sources, and an overview of Elanco’s sustainability efforts.

Upcoming opportunity to learn about the improvements at Tarkington Park.

Visited IPS Broad Ripple Middle School in District 7 today. In its first year as a middle school, it’s finding its rhythm—especially in music education. I observed two music classes where students shined both solo and as an ensemble. Thanks to the students, teachers, and staff for their dedication!

Last night began with a legislative forum on education policy hosted by the Butler-Tarkington and Crown Hill Neighborhoods, followed by the Warfleigh Neighborhood annual meeting, and wrapped up with the Rocky Ripple Town Council. Grateful for the engaged neighbors at each stop.

In our February meeting, the Council’s Environmental Sustainability Committee heard a presentation from Butler University and an update from the Director of the Office of Sustainability on the millions of dollars in federal grants at risk. Watch the full meeting here: www.indy.gov/.../watch-pr....

🌳Exciting day in Council District 7 as we broke ground on the next phase of Tarkington Park! Grateful to the Lilly Endowment, Indy Parks, Parks Alliance, MLK Center, BTNA & our community for making this possible. This investment builds on a decade of progress to keep the Park a vibrant hub for all!🏀

I spent time today visiting small businesses across Council District 7, including a great stop at The Toy Pit, now at 38th and College after relocating from 86th Street. With its bold murals and unique collectibles, this shop is adding energy and excitement to the area.

Breaking News: Tom Robbins, whose comic novels drew a cult following by blending pop philosophy and absurdist comedy, has died at 92.

With the heavy snowfall and forecasted frigid temperatures, Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS) is reminding Indianapolis residents to bring animals inside during cold weather as well as providing resource information, details:

Sharing this message from the Indianapolis Animal Care Services, as a reminder to bring pets in from the winter weather. If you see an animal that needs assistance call the MAC at 317-327-4622 or via the “Request Indy” system: www.indy.gov/activity/req...

Looking forward to the 2024 edition of Small Business Saturday and supporting the great businesses across Council District 7!

I enjoyed the recent rededication ceremony for the Indiana State historical marker commemorating the Central Canal. Thank you to local historian Ed Fujawa and BTNA for leading the effort to bring this sign back to District 7!

Looking forward to the 2024 edition of Small Business Saturday and supporting the great businesses across Council District 7!

Looking forward to the re-dedication of this historical marker, scheduled for 11/26/24 in Council District 7.

WRTV coverage of how the Indy Council is allocating funds for public works and parks across all 25 districts. District 7 will use our $1M allocation to improve Canterbury Park – a popular park along the Monon Trail. 🌳 The full story reviews how other districts are investing in their communities too.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended our community meeting on October 28th and shared input on how to invest the $1M allocated to District 7 for a Parks or Public Works project. Check out the details for the project selected at Canterbury Park.🌳✨🙏

Fall @ Eagle Creek Park #Indianapolis

Beautiful morning celebrating the opening of the new IndyGo Purple Line! (With State Representative Hamilton and Councilors Brown and Roberts) #Indy #Transit #PurpleLine

I had a great time running with the Maple Road United Run Crew recently. Excited to see our efforts to address traffic on 38th Street gaining traction through the Connected Communities initiative. www.indystar.com/story/news/l...

Indianapolis needs a Vision Zero road safety plan via the Indy Star:

Plastic production is responsible for 4% of world emissions. As renewable energy use ticks upward, many are cautioning that fossil fuel corporations see Big Plastic as their lifeline. Our latest episode explores the industry filling our oceans and our bodies: listen.climateone.org/3IUsaeKA?sid...

New article! If you like it, please share. I drove to Death Valley and wrote about all the strange and beautiful sites and ominous change I saw sarahkendzior.substack.com/p/i-walked-t...

After three terms on the Council, today I got my first call from a constituant seeking assistance getting a cat out of a tree. Big thank you to the IFD for making it happen. (Note: the IFD generally can’t address these kind of issues, due to other priorities, but were able to assist today.)

At Lugar Plaza this evening to remember those who have been injured or died on roads in Indianapolis this past year as part of World Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

Close to 400 crashes have been reported involving drivers and pedestrians this year alone in Marion County. www.wrtv.com/news/local-n...

"On a personal level, America’s dependence on automobiles means hefty bills, the risk of dangerous crashes and stress... Personal vehicles often become workers’ largest expense, on a par with housing, child care and food."

Today, I spent the afternoon cycling in Council District 7 with several bike and pedestrian safety advocates. I’m looking forward to continuing my ongoing work with the bike advocacy community to make improvements across Indianapolis.

This morning I had, for the 7th time, a close encounter with an owl on the Monon Tail in Indianapolis. This guy swooped down and touched my head as I was running north from Broad Ripple about 5:00 a.m.

Who from Indianapolis city government is on Bluesky? So far I only know of two. Am I missing anyone else? Current city/county councilor John Barth: @jmb53.bsky.social Future city/county councilor Jesse Brown: @jesseforindy.bsky.social

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WRTV: "New study ranks Indy in top 10 for most dangerous cities for pedestrians" www.wrtv.com/news/local-n...

Like Indianapolis, Memphis is facing increased risk for pedestrians (with 37 pedestrian related deaths in 2023), I appreciated the opportunity to talk with ABC Memphis about our updated Complete Streets and new trail safety ordinances. www.localmemphis.com/article/traf...

Taking a sec to re-introduce our project since 2016: Everyday Life in Middletown, a collaborative archive in which volunteer writers share one-day diaries, three times a year, recording their EDL in Muncie, Indiana. Modeled on Mass Observation. An instant, open archive. bsudsl.org/edlmiddletown/

Reckless driving is at a crisis point in Indianapolis and around the country. To move the needle, we have worked closely with neighborhood groups and advocates to develop strategies to address reckless driving, details outlined in this letter to the editor: www.indystar.com/story/opinio...

Thank you to CBS Sunday Morning for covering the important topic of pedestrian safety and for traveling to Indianapolis to learn about my efforts as a member of the Indy City/County Council to make lasting improvements. Link: www.cbsnews.com/news/unsafe-...